SUNDERLAND: A Tragic Turn of Events

[@davidbyrne1620]

James, I live in Sunderland and must compliment you on your storytelling and presentation of our City. Well done.

[@Van-Ished]

James, completely agree with David. You drew Julie and I in totaly and what a sad story but told so well. Nice one mate Ta Mike

[@LeeScott-oq5dd]

Well done James for a nice honest video. It’s refreshing to see someone point out all the good things rather than concentrating on the negative. Well done.

[@clairefarndale144]

One of Sunderland’s first industries was glassmaking, the first ever glass in the Uk was found at St Peter’s church at Monkwearmouth, hence why the National Glass Centre was built in Sunderland, then mining and shipbuilding

[@makeyourselfathome6826]

You have a big heart. That’s obvious. I enjoy your story telling even when the story is grim. The tour of this town was great. I think regardless of the sad past it’s a beautiful town. And I loved this video. I live on long island in New York. It costs an arm and a leg in taxes and home prices to live here and each towns center is like 10 run down stores in 1970s buildings. They’ll be a pizzeria, a dive bar, a Dunkin’, a dry cleaner, a Chinese take out and a 7/11. With a random liquor store and an urgent care. Drive a half a mile and we get lucky for a dollar tree, some gas stations, a target or a Walmart , a grocery and fast food McDonalds or Burger King, Taco Bell and a Home Depot and a Best Buy. Maybe there’s one good restaurant every 5 miles. You people are spoiled in the UK. lol. So I’m impressed with every town you showcase. They are fascinating.

[@johnspark8095]

Loved your video, I worked at Wearmouth Colliery for many years they were some of the happiest and hardest years of my working life. It was an education in humanity and comradery. Salt of earth the men that worked there, I left in 1993 as the pit was earmarked for closure. There were 4 shafts where The Stadium of Light was build, I keep telling my grandkids that I played on that ground for lots of years. As a early teenager 13 and over my Dad, Brother and Uncle used to go fishing off Roker Pier in the 1960,s, again happy times. Thanks again for video, I,m 73 now. Sorry for going o a bit.

[@pathfinder303]

Must admit I didn't know Sunderland had such a nice beach and the surrounding areas of the City was so nice. Horrific story at the end so many kids so many hearts broken. Hope yer didn't mind the knock on yer door, an honour to have met yer sir !

[@bythecurb]

Lovely to meet you too 😊

[@allanbewick7711]

Hi James I have been following you for a while, from when you had your antique shop it great to see you up in my home city . I am 68 years old and can remember my mother telling me the story of the disaster . Thanks for coming to Sunderland and doing a blog a lot of people have put Sunderland down over the years. Stay safe .

[@toniwheldon5798]

I was born and bred in Sunderland and always wondered what the memorial in Mowbray park was about. Had me in tears. Never knew the emergency push door things came from that either. I will never use one without thinking of those children again. Great video James, although you really should have ventured into the oldest pub in Sunderland, in town center aswell, The Ship Isis, restored to the original fixtures and fittings. Thanks for the video.

[@katewilliams4876]

You tell a story well and you show great empathy. Thank you for sharing and giving all those beautiful children a voice. God bless them all.💕

[@leetaylor8989]

You’re a decent guy James. Got me in a bit of a tearful situation. Thanks for making the video. I’m from and live in South Shields ( just north of Sunderland).

[@wendyrobinson7407]

I’ve recently moved to Sunderland with my family, from Sydney, Australia. I live in Ashbrooke and love the buildings and history. There is a lot of investment into Sunderland and I’m very positive about it’s future. I loved your video. So much more to explore here.

[@stephencolrein2116]

Your a great man with great heart James.

[@TonyMcGreal]

Another fantastic video 👍👍

[@angelabuxton2143]

I loved your sunderland history lesson about the tragic death of 183 innocent children. I've lived here all my life and didn't know about that happening. You missed a fantastic structure by Ray Lonsdale in memory of The Vaux Brewery which was a huge part of sunderland past, you also missed a commemorative walk along the quayside in memory of the shipbuilding, it's near the Glass Centre. We love your channel and thoroughly enjoy seeing you and Hellibobs exploring the world xxxx See thee

[@andrewrobinson2565]

The Wear has a hard bottom and the Tyne has a soft bottom. That's why BIG SHIPS couldn't be built on the Wear - undredgable. ('O' level Geography 1977). 😮

[@sandracostello5130]

Moral of story....Don't follow the crowd.....that goes for everything

[@kittyroo-x4p]

Brilliant video, the seaside is nice. I am a Manc and I had the same trouble on my first day in Newcastle, I couldn't understand a word they said. I had to ask the taxi driver to repeat himself a couple of times and in the end as I didn't want to sound rude, I just told him very sorry mate, but no clue. Even ordering a sandwich was difficult because they call sarnies stotties, I mean what the hell is a stottie? anyway I soon got the hang of it. 😁

[@judepicton6252]

Fabulous video, great detailed information . Yes the sad part was extremely difficult to hear, so much history we dont know about .

[@ljm9379]

Brilliant vlog, so Thoughful a tragic story beautiful monument in memory of the fallen children. ❤

[@Haggis305]

Well done James, siting watching this episode with my wife. She thought you told the story of the tragic event about all the children really well. Nice job!!!

[@ColinOBear]

Wow Sunderland was a lot nicer than I expected it to be. Great vlog James, so much information and, yes, heart-break. I'm humbled really.

[@JulesArtelierandEmporium]

Me and my Missus moved to Sunderland 12 months ago and apart from the odd idiot, which you can meet anywhere, we love it

[@kidgibnick]

Really enjoyed that. Lots of history up that way. Lovely beach area. Great storytelling as well. Don’t worry about how things come across, it is what it is - just do what you feel..as that’s the most genuine way, and why we like ya. Cheers James!

[@dianeleahy3345]

Great video. The sea front looked very nice, and so did the pub. Some great historical information, I really like your historical facts . Thanks James.

[@albert2395]

Lord Shaftsbury is another great from the aristocracy! He was treated badly by his own parents, and brought up by his working class servants. So, when he became powerful and rich, he used his influence to help poor youngsters. Shaftsbury Avenue in London is named after him.😊

[@Barbara-yj5tl]

Thanks for that James, you wish you hadn’t read the tragic story of the children because it upset you, but now you’ve left me feeling 😥. Joking apart it was very sad indeed. I think we should know about the terrible things others went through, it makes us appreciate our own lives.

[@GrahamMarsh-xl1mq]

James another excellent video I love watching your videos

[@clareboylan6741]

Great vid James! Definitely worth a visit. Thanks 😊

[@aVanCalledSallyAndMike]

The name of the lock on a fire exit door, invented by that young lad is called (A panic bar ) I fitted qiute a few over the years. They are fitted for a reason. Yet it is a common sight to a padlock and chain fixed to them.

[@ferguslogan4034]

love your content bud. stay safe - hopefully the ejit didnt do any damage to your van.

[@kevjones2107]

That was a very good analysis of Sunderland. I've been a few times and have always found it to be a friendly and interesting place to visit. ATB KEV

[@renngretsch]

21:38 James was nearly where the theatre, the minster, and most of the pubs are...and he did a U-turn!!!

[@dianelough9395]

Yeah he missed the culture quarter and the new city 14:47 . But he did a fantastic job at Roker, he couldn't do it all I suppose in the amount of time he had. Pity he didn't show the modern side instead of the bridges etc Yes you are right he did a U turn but still a great vlog. So sorry about the idiot at Penshaw. Keep up the good work James and thankyou.😊😮

[@peterosullivan9942]

Yeah thats a real shame as that is the beating heart of Sunderland now and he was so close but turned around and went back to the bridges.

[@mightay6672]

I used to work in the casino in Sunderland for about a month..in 2005 after the bannatynes casino went bust in Newcastle,but i cant explain how there always was a dark cloud over that city..like it was cursed and when i went over the tyne bridge i felt relief.. sorry but was my feeling of Sunderland

[@christoguichard4311]

Maybe it's the spectre of that terrible tragedy? 😢

[@TheFirstDrop1]

As soon as I saw the title I knew you would be covering Victoria hall. Sorry you had a bad experience in your van in Sunderland, unfortunately there’s bad people everywhere, most of us mackems are sound and would never do something like that.

[@jopickering5688]

Wow I think that was a great video James. Amazing photography at Penshaw and so much interesting content about Sunderland and Bob Stoke. Just a shame they beat Leeds united in the cup match. I’ve learnt a lot about the place thank you. I will be seeing my husband tomorrow who is in care and it will give me something interesting to tell him about including why the stadium of light is so named.

[@lesleymason7838]

Very interesting James, thank you.

[@alisonwilliams1873]

Tragic all those children who died. Really awful for the family who lost 4 children. Thanks for sharing.

[@Markmywordschannel]

My hometown, haven’t been back for a while but it hasn’t changed much

[@DenzilLatimer]

I remember Sunderland beating Leeds in the FA Cup Final of 1973. Jim Montgomery, the Sunderland goalie, played the game of his life. He later received the BEM for services to football.

[@paulawooding7325]

I’ve only just recently discovered you and Hellibobs since your vlog about our city appeared on my husband’s timeline. Since then I’ve become hooked and binge watched so many, you’re extremely entertaining, solo and with the most lovely Helen. Your story telling is very good, and that’s a talent in itself. The awful one about those children was so poignant. Thank you for telling us, you didn’t have to ❤

[@49Jackos]

Brilliant video, being a football fan loved learning how Sunderland football clubs stadium got its name . Wow what a sad story to finish on but keep the videos coming you always make them so interesting.

[@suzieq2958]

Fabulous bit of drone footage, James! What a pretty and interesting place! Cheers!

[@suzieq2958]

Now I've reached the end and I've a tear in my eye for the loss of all those kiddywinks and mostly about HOW they died = chasing after free gifts! 😪

[@teresatreez3020]

You certainly know how to cheer us all up James 😂

[@Karenemm1]

Thank You - James Loved Your Video especially Being Sunderland - Its an Amazing Place - Im Not From Sunderland Though Ive Been Going For The last 10 Years With My Camera - Im So Glad You've Added This Video To Your Channel - Not Just Looking at It as A Photographic Point of View it Has Such History and The People of Sunderland are Great

[@christoguichard4311]

A great "return to form" with this vlog James, and included all the things that I started watching your videos for. I know on the face of it you may think that it came across as a bit of a "downer", but actually I think you were just being honest and pointed out the good things about Sunderland too. I think "people make towns"...and Makems are obviously a very proud lot. It's a shame that they been let down by useless politicians in the past. I honestly think that there should have been much stricter controls on online shopping over the last 10 years, and also out-of-town retail parks...in order to save our high streets and town centres. You can't have something like Amazon (my pet hate!)...and flourishing high streets...at the same time. We have to choose eventually. Otherwise...there'll be no high streets left.

[@ericspark4365]

I’ve lived here for 71 years , brilliant video James

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Great video James and as a big football fan a great insight regarding the stadium of light. All the best ….Smithy

[@and3583]

Great to see Roker where I grew up, thanks! I'm pretty sure the first export was glass, they made it there in the dark ages, shipbuilding started about 650 years ago so maybe that was.

[@PaulStockill]

I come from Middlesbrough, but left the area 60 years ago. Sunderland was never presented as a place you might want to go to, so I never did! Your views of the harbour and beach were an eye-opener, just thought there were docks at Sunderland. You are right, of course, that the river Wear runs through Durham. I appreciated your sensitive presentation of the kids' disaster.

[@lindzhoward7752]

So sad what's happening to our once proud towns, it's the industry up North that made the South what it is today.

[@alanavery8028]

Brilliant vlogs, so insightful and honest with a great slant of humour, please keep them coming.

[@nickcuthbertson1538]

Loved your reply to the barman just before you've been shocked by how depressing the city centre is 'Yeah am loving it so far' spoken like a politician 🤣 Thanks for sharing the sad but informative story of the children that died in the crush very moving .

[@barnsleymat]

When I did the Great North Run in September I drove through the coastal bit of Sunderland and I like you was surprised how nice it is.

[@MichaelLundie-r9j]

Very informative James but also very sad having 10 year old kids working down the mines

[@AndrewSmith-el5fs]

A great mix as ever, really enjoyable. You should be proud of what you produce, quality content and personable presentation. Plainly and simply what the state broadcasters are no longer capable of providing. Well done James.

[@ChristineMakemson]

Extremely heart felt vlog about Sunderland. Very well told and truthfully reviewed. Well done James. Take care. ❤

[@ZaphodBeeb1]

Good video, well filmed and a lot of interesting detail. I just had to watch it right through. You must have walked a few miles to cover all of it. No wonder you were tired.

[@StephenOconnor-c4t]

Punk rock band did a video here toy dolls dig that groove baby 🎉

[@ShelleyBentley-j7v]

Great vlog James 👍 So interesting and eye opening 🤔 great ti see Sunderland, not what I expected, so sad the stories 😢, thanks fir sharing ❤❤

[@dougy2457]

James, that was a very informative and heartbreaking video, you opened my eyes to Sunderland, great people, and a proud and sad history

[@angeroper6839]

Hi James ,shame I didn't see you in Sunderland ,I would have come up to you and say hi I am Ange ,you did well seeing you are really tired well done James Ange ❤

[@stevemcdowell8344]

Thank you, am originally from Sunderland and you gave a good true reflection of my home town but you missed the sign off which is HTLS and FTM😂

[@andyeaton7045]

Fantastic video James, one of your best i think.

[@DeborahHoward-h5c]

Hi James, Sunderland with a beach, I never knew that. The true story of the children was upsetting to me too, you just can't imagine what they went through, poor kids and parents too. Loved the place you showed us with the trees inside etc. Never seen anything about Sunderland before so that was interesting and sad too.. Debbie brid

[@patshepherd784]

Such a sad story, it should be better known. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed seeing around Sunderland apart from that story.

[@davidfrance1666]

No need to apologise for the state of bolton a five minute drive north some of the nicest countryside and villages with lovely pubs 👍🍺

[@JasonDodson-s9z]

What a tragic story James and another lovely Vlog. Not going to lie, I googled Boyes stores to see where they were and there are so many, it's almost like a Vlog series waiting to happen for you and Helen to visit them all - sadly no Sunderland one.

[@Ocean348]

What an amazing place .. and to see people in touch with people 💜very thought provoking Worth a visit thank you for this very interesting vlog James please give us more of these . You are a natural thank you. Poundland on its death bed too 😞thank you for the history and it was very sad but given well … James ‘that wer reyt nice !! 👍🏼

[@andreasmith4672]

Really enjoyed watching this video, thank you

[@alexisparker139]

Great video James. Lovely to see your numbers of supporters growing too xx

[@jonholmes1845]

Very interesting video, I learnt a lot about somewhere I’ve never thought of visiting until now

[@user-km6jn9qc2q]

Lovely Vlog James, I will even forgive you inserting the SAFC cup final win against my beloved Leeds Utd. You show that our England, outside of the awful inner cities of the UK still exists. We had a 10 day holiday in Northumberland last year, Low Hauxley near Amble, it was life reaffirming to see beautiful coastlines, wonderful people happy to chat and so many dog friendly establishments. You take care mate, love to Helen, me and my better half look forward to bumping into you both on our travels.

[@leslieelizabeth219]

What I love about your Vlogs is they are so positive and uplifting. I have never been to Sunderland. I was born in Scotland and I was a Coalminers daughter. But I feel affinity with the Geordies. Ps I did live in Yorkshire for 2 years when I was young. Thank you once again 👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@leslieelizabeth219]

Jimmy Nail song The River says it all 🎵🎵🎵

[@leslieelizabeth219]

They are the salt of the Earth these lovely people and they deserve better.

[@awalkwithcoffeeneil]

I did a vlog on Sunderland myself last year and on Roker Beach too! I actually enjoyed it all and thought it was a City on the rise! I also didn't see one Homeless person on the streets

[@Travelnortherners]

Thanks James for a great vlog of our home city. 👍 big shout out to the “blot outdoor show” who is the local KZbin legend in Sunderland 😬

[@bythecurb]

I love his channel

[@Travelnortherners]

James next time you go you have to visit the royal theatre it was literally around the corner from where you were with the bears up on the screen, it’s very famous for Sunderland. That’s where all the bars are and the old fire station. And the best pub in Sunderland called the rabbit 😂👍

[@lyndaholmes7293]

My grandad lived and breathed Sunderland football club

[@psmith77271]

Great video of sunderland. Unfortunatly the city centre has been left to rott for years and years and never recovered since the germans flattened it. The city centre lets sunderland down big time, however there is major regeneration going on in the centre and across sunderland in general. Pop back in a few year i have no doubt you will see a big difference.

[@williamfence566]

Worked in Sunderland in the 1990's converting the House of Frazer building to Wilko. Stayed at a local hotel during the fit out where I was given a large key to a padlock which belonged to the gates of the car park which was off site . Not been familiar I asked could someone show me where it is to be told. " we don't go down there ! " . Wilko Staff were great I remember.

[@dubdaz1]

Trouble is , enquiries nowadays just lead to the same old statement of “ lessons will be learned” whilst those responsible remain hidden and carry on with their lives un bothered.

[@SteveJohn-w9q]

10 years old! 77! So much sacrifice for a daily living

[@yvonneriley7369]

Most interesting vlog James loved it ❤

[@Hitstirrer]

Interesting that the Davy lamp was prominent there because just a bit further north George Stephenson invented his own safety lamp at the same period in mine history. That Stephenson lamp became known as the 'Geordie' lamp after George S, and because that version of the safety lamp was most common a few miles north in Newcastle it became a name for miners from there - Geordies. Miners in the NE were either Davy lamp guys or Geordies. And that name has stuck ever since to describe people from Newcastle and its surroundings.

[@doctormong1]

Saltwater wells in my eyes. So sad. Great video James.

[@naomifranciosy]

Great video of my city James! I live in Leeds now so got a little homesick watching even if I do get back home quite a lot 😂 I love our rich history from glass, coal, ship building industries and now car manufacturing, folk tales such as the Lambton Worm and the Cauld Lad, links to America - Hylton Castle and George Washington, inspiration to Lewis Carroll for Alice in Wonderland and some great musicians, authors and tv personalities, our beloved Sunderland AFC, and from the tragedies the humanity that shines through from the people of Sunderland. The not so proud history is like you mentioned, Britains first serial killer and who you didn’t mention, John Humble the infamous Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer. The city centre is nothing to write home about in terms of shopping, but Keel Square, Mowbray Park, Winter Gardens and Sunderland Empire Theatre are fab places to visit there. I was willing you towards the theatre and aslo to Sunderlands other beach, Seaburn, so you could get some decent fish and chips 🤣 What makes Sunderland great is the people. Crap that your first night was unsettled because of someone who scared you but I hope being out and about talking to people showed you that we’re a friendly bunch really… even if it is hard to understand us 🤣 ❤️🤍

[@sandyc5331]

Hi James 👋👋. I'm from Sunderland. I really enjoyed your vlog on our city. Thanks for delving into some of our history. I agree our city centre is a shadow of its former self , but then thats not unique in the UK today. ❤

[@trains_and_walks]

Very well done. All my family are from Sunderland and I love going to explore the place. It gets quite a bit of bad press by people who don't bother to open their eyes.

[@KathySiddle]

Another good trip, James.Such a sad ending 😢 Hope you got a decent sleep and no disturbance 😊

[@helenbosworth5950]

So sad 😢 very tragic never knew this Sunderland Brillant video so nice there James thank you you for sharing

[@johnnyb1829]

Hello James, Greetings from Teignmouth Devon

[@erniejohns3750]

JAMES ; what a fantastic vloc got as far as 13.30 and im so impressed with penshaw and roker

[@psmith77271]

There is another beach 1 mile further up the road, seaburn

[@Rowan-d2y]

Very informative James, very nice beach and those carved steps were beautiful. Pride in the workmanship was high back then. Some lovely shots too. Cheers.😊

[@davechatterton1]

George at Asda so funny 😂

[@DianeNeedham-c7k]

James I think its important you show the shops because if there isn't a good shopping centre it's not worth my while visiting 😅. I love to see the shops and best of all the pubs 😅. Great vlog❤

[@andywilson5723]

Well presented and honest video about Sunderland here in the NE. Really hope you can make it to STOCKTON-ON-TEES this year as the town celebrates the bicentennial (200 years) of the opening of the Stockton to Darlington railway, the world's first public railway.

[@garethmorgan7474]

Class video as usual

[@PaulAndrewsClan]

James, so sorry to have seen the issues you had overnight near Sunderland. Do come to Yarm, loads of history, big arched bridges, river tees walk, plenty of great places for brekkie..... and a Boyes! Let me know if coming and can sort an overnight spot for you to park, without risk mate. Take care

[@Craftypumpkin1]

Another great video James, Really enjoyed the tour Thank you ❤

[@andywright3450]

Hi james good video mate

[@MarkyMark8616]

My grandfather worked at the paper mill. My father and his brothers used to scour the beach for coal.grandmother worked on the farms.Worked like a slave and wore him to a nub 6 days a week. Tough people and great spirit.desparately needs industry and investment. Is that just a pipe dream

[@123bbbooobbb]

small world my grandad passed away collecting coal from hendon beach.

[@CampingNE]

Oh My days : what a tragic story, respectively narrated mate . Poor bairns😢

[@jamesdean4100]

never been to mackem land but looks quite decent to be fair